When new management came to the Philadelphia & Western Railway early in the
Great Depression, it was convinced that high-speed service would bring back the
riders. So committed to this principle were they that wind tunnel testing
was employed in the design of these "bullet"-shaped cars, both to bring about
the highest practical speed for the cars and also to reduce to a minimum the
wind resistance - thereby reducing operating costs.

The Philadelphia & Western was an example of high-platform, rapid transit
type service, where everyday speeds exceeded 75 miles per hour. Cars like
209 proved to be a huge success in this setting, hauling millions of passengers
back and forth between Norristown and 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby (and
intermediate stations) for nearly sixty years. The line was purchased by
the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company (Red Arrow Lines), and
continues today under SEPTA ownership and with modern cars.

Click on the thumbnails below for larger photos (will open in new window):